Whom do you like: Jorgensen or Wynn?
This is no spooky Halloween story. Odd as it may seem, however, two current Assembly representatives face each other in a highly competitive 43rd District race Nov. 6.
Andy Jorgensen, D-Fort Atkinson, has represented the 37th District for six years. Evan Wynn, R-Whitewater, served the 43rd District the past two.
Now, they’re pitted against each other. Wynn points out that Jorgensen doesn’t live in the 43rd District, can’t even vote for himself this fall and asks why 43rd District residents should back Jorgensen.
Republicans controlled redistricting that carved Jorgensen’s previous 37th District into four parts. His home now sits in the new 33nd District, not far from the new 43rd District. Jorgensen is legally allowed to run in the 43rd and intends to move there if he wins Nov. 6.
Jorgensen argues that his decision to run in the 43rd reflects his desire to keep serving many familiar people and places. The new 43rd includes part of the old 37th District, many farms and families that once relied on General Motors paychecks. Jorgensen was raised on a dairy farm and worked at GM for 14 years.
Conversely, Jorgensen says he’s unfamiliar with Mukwonago, part of the new 33rd District.
OK, but which is the better candidate and most deserves your vote?
We’ll share our perspectives in our endorsement editorial Wednesday, Oct. 31.
Greg Peck can be reached at (608) 755-8278 or gpeck@gazettextra.com. Or follow him on Twitter or Facebook

Oct 31, 2012 at 8:29 p.m.
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greatplain....how much did Jorgensen pay you to make all that up??? I worked with Andy at the GM plant for many years. He ain't all that.
Oct 31, 2012 at 8:04 p.m.
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I enjoyed Wills post.I too have seen Andy around the district at Milton FD Pancake breakfast, Milton Youth Football , Milton HS football, he always smiles and listens. Mouth closed ears open. THAT is the kind of man I want representing me.
In Evan Wynn I have yet to see this example of him "sstanding against" his party. That being said I dont really care that he is a rubber stamp for Scott Walker, where has he been? I attend all kinds of charity events in Rock county, and have yet to see him. During the protests in Madison and the ACT 10 craziness and on several other occasions I sent Mr Wynn dozens of emails, called his office several times,and got NOTHING back other than form emails, a couple of mass produced mailed letters, and a call back from an assistant. I commend Mr Wynn for his military service, but to just be a cookie cutter politician is tha last thing I want. Andy gets my vote because he cares for ALL his constituents, not just the ones who share his party.
Oct 31, 2012 at 7:52 p.m.
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""Jorgensen doesn't even live in his district, can't even vote in the district in which he's running. What a shame."" so I am guessing all of you that post this nonsense would be voting against Knilans then yes? Lets stay consistent, not partisan.
Oct 31, 2012 at 7:28 p.m.
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Jorgensen has done something. He voted in favor of the combined income tax, which resulted in an additional $20 million tax for Harley-Davidson, leading to more lay-offs.
Oct 31, 2012 at 4:24 p.m.
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Well said, Will!
Oct 31, 2012 at 4:16 p.m.
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Like Mr. Wynn, I am a retired member of the armed services and a combat veteran. I can appreciate what having those attributes in ones experiences will positively contribute in serving the public interest as a legislator.
From all I've read about Evan Wynn, he is an effective legislator and an asset to the community and nation.
I have voted for Andy Jorgensen in past elections. I at one time would have been proud to claim my political identity as a Republican...when I voted for Rep. Jorgensen, I was a Republican.
I also have seen Andy quite frequently around the area...from the Eat-Mor diner in Fort Atkinson...the Highway-18 outdoor with his family...and at the weekly meetings of Boy Scout Troop 131 where Andys sons were/are members.
At our first meeting during a Boy Scout event, I got to know Andy the person and I found him to be the type of man who listens...the subject we discussed was not politics, but BSA activities...Andys interest and questions suggested to me a man who seeks answers and solutions.
Only after I had seen Andy at our meetings for the better part of a year did we discuss politics...and what I told Andy was this:
" I'm tired of politicians...I want to see a real leader in office working for the people"
While I'm not so naive to believe that once one is identified as a 'politician' that they can do no wrong so long as the 'right'party benefits from it...I have yet to see Andy work soley to benefit the democratic party.
Andy is a leader...I see him as that owing to his work for all constituents...whether of his district or citizens of Wisconsin.
Andy was a large part of the legislation passed to outlaw synthetic cannibinoids and as a parent of teenagers I appreciate his efforts to keep dangerous yet barely 'legal' substances out of the hands of minors.
Recently I received a flyer from Rep. Wynn that featured several unflattering screeen capture shots of Rep. Jorgensen during the marathon 61 hour assembly debate in february 2011...these cherry-picked photos show Andy in what may be construed as a off-the-handle expression/pose. Evan Wynn has sunk to the low road in using these unflattering photos...Mr. Wynn as a veteran and an NCO in the armed services I would have felt you would forgo such juvenile and immature tactics...you do not have my vote.
Andy Jorgensen has my vote as well as many others in our communities, Andy is a leader.
Oct 31, 2012 at 3:50 p.m.
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The headline "Who Do You Like" doesn't seem like the right question. I can't find anything that Andy has really done. On the other hand, Evan really does get things done and supports his constituents regardless of party affiliation.
Oct 31, 2012 at 9:36 a.m.
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My vote is for Evan Wynn, hands-down. Firstly, he is the candidate who actually lives in the district. Importantly, Evan is a man of principle who considers the issues and votes for what is right, which means he sometimes votes differently than his Republican colleagues. Evan is a man of integrity, a patriot and military veteran who puts his constituents before politics. When the Wisconsin State Journal endorsed Wynn over Jorgenson, they noted "what sets apart Wynn...is his refreshing, no-nonsense style. He’s less the politician." I couldn't agree more. The 43rd District deserves a man like Evan Wynn.
Oct 31, 2012 at 8:47 a.m.
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Evan Wynn, a military veteran, deserves your support. Not because he's led combat teams in Afghanistan, but because of the person it has made him. That is, absolutely unafraid to take on his own Republican party to vote his conscience and support his constituents every time.
Oct 31, 2012 at 8:41 a.m.
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Guess I hit the button twice. Johnny Two Times.
Oct 31, 2012 at 8:40 a.m.
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Hey! The Gazette agreed with me in supporting Andy Jorgensen! That doesn't happen much!
Oct 31, 2012 at 8:40 a.m.
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Hey! The Gazette agreed with me in supporting Andy Jorgensen! That doesn't happen much!
Oct 31, 2012 at 7:59 a.m.
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Evan Wynn is a man of strong family values and enormous moral character. He has a prideful military background which contains combat service which is priceless to our community. Evan played a key and pivitol role in voicing his opposition of the Hwy 11/14 bypass to the right key players at exactly the right decision making time. Our Rock County farm land is way more important than this by-pass especially when we have alternate routes like County H and Austin/Burdick roads. As well...the traffic counts just don't warrant the project. Evan gets it. He is an unsurpassed advocate of property rights.
Oct 31, 2012 at 7 a.m.
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Evan killed the 11/14 bypass? He did no such thing. A grassroots effort from local residents killed it. It's an unnecessary stretch of road tearing up farms and farmland.
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Jorgensen doesn't even live in his district, can't even vote in the district in which he's running. What a shame.
Oct 30, 2012 at 9:48 p.m.
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My choice is Andy. He ran a clean positive campaign. I won't vote for negative campaigners. Also Evan killed the hwy 11/14 bypass along with all the good paying construction jobs. I believe the bypass will go through someday anyway. We need jobs now!
Oct 30, 2012 at 8:53 p.m.
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Andy Jorgensen will continue to be a listener to his constituents, his greatest gift. He has shown he is willing to work across the isle on several bills. He talks about people's choices, not them personally. He is gregarious, smart, and a hardworker. His life experience as a farmer, radio guy, and UAW auto worker represent the people of his new district well.
My observation: Evan Wynn voted against workers and stood behind the Governor as he signed Act 10. A bad, bad vote that hurt workers of this state. http://host.madison.com/news/local/govt-...
Oct 30, 2012 at 6:35 p.m.
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Evan Wynn has served this part of Rock County very well over the past two years. He has stood up for our needs and conducted himself as a statesman in every way.
He looks at every issue and considers how it will impact his constituency and then supports what he thinks is the best for our district and the State, even if it is not in tandem with the Republican caucus.
He has supported balancing our state budget, voted to cap tuition for college students, and put dollars back into our public school classrooms. I think he has been one of our better reps.
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